Samantha Crain recalls the drum machine that accompanied her on her first gig and the time that someone put pepper in the tour van radiator.
Dex Romweber on Band Fights and Destructive Role Models
Influential guitarist Dex Romweber recalls his first gig and a day job that was like working on a pirate ship.
Arkansas Dave on Being a Lifer and Why Failure is the Greatest Lesson
Austin-based singer-songwriter Arkansas Dave talks about a tour van called “Stormtrooper” and reveals why he’s called “Swamp Thang”.
Will Hoge on The Tour Van in His Driveway and Why Tour Journals Are Important
Will Hoge talks about renting a rehearsal space from Todd Snider and why music is like the old roller coasters at Opryland.
John McCutcheon on $400 Days and the True Definition of Success
Prolific folk singer John McCutcheon talks about the dustbin of his writing archive and recalls playing a union gig when he was a teenager
Mac McAnally on Jimi Hendrix and Quixotic Pursuits
Renowned musician and songwriter Mac McAnally talks about an early gig at the family laundromat and the day job that inspired a song.
Nate Sipe of Pert Near Sandstone on Good Veggie Burgers and Pure Midwestern Gibberish
Nate Sipe talks about AAA membership, a record-breaking night of broken guitar strings and an uncashed million dollar check.
Ruthie Foster Shares Money Management Advice and a Song For Napping
Ruthie Foster talks about why TV newscasts are like music performances and recalls a memorable van breakdown in Boise, Idaho.
Will Sexton on Coffee Paraphernalia and Eavesdropping on the Beastie Boys
Will Sexton talks about sitting in a tour van, touring with crock pots, and seeing his heroes get their due.
Martin Earley of The Ballroom Thieves on Losing His Day Job and the Power of Saying No
The Ballroom Thieves’ Martin Earley talks about his “epically emo†first song and the band’s increasing income… and expenses.